Time

Further Maths

COURSE CONTENT

Mathematics is intrinsically beautiful. Students who enjoy puzzles and problem solving will relish the challenges of this course. The ancient arts of algebra and trigonometry form a large part of what is studied, but students will also learn about imaginary numbers, polar coordinates, and the more recent applications of Decision Mathematics, Statistics and Mechanics.

This is a combination course which takes up two A Level options. At the end of the course candidates will have two distinct A levels. At the end of Year 13, students will take seven examinations, three will make up the A Level Mathematics qualification, and four will make up the Further Mathematics qualification. A Level Further Mathematics is more complex than A Level Mathematics, forming some of the content of the first year of a degree in Mathematics.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

5 GCSE at grade 5 or above. Students must have achieved grade 7 or above in Maths and a 5 in English.

ASSESSMENT

A Level Further Mathematics is a two year course with all examinations taking place at the end of the second year. Students will sit four papers, each lasting for 90 minutes and each worth 25% of the overall grade. Papers 1 and 2 are entirely pure mathematics, the third and fourth papers are the applied elements.

WHY STUDY further maths?

Studying Further Mathematics is a distinct advantage for those considering studying Mathematics or related subjects at university. In addition, top universities prefer or require it for mathematics-rich courses such as Engineering, Computing, Chemistry, Accountancy, Economics and Physics. Studying a qualification in further maths demonstrates to potential employers or educators that you have a distinct talent for the application of number in many guises and implies a level of critical thinking and problem solving that is advanced and well-rounded. If you enjoy problem-solving, can use your own initiative, and are determined to persevere until you’ve solved a challenging question, then you have the attitude to make a success of A Level Further Mathematics.

Financial Information

You will need a Casio scientific calculator: models fx83, fx85, fx91 or better. It is a course requirement that you buy packs of past exam papers at £3 per module. You will also need to purchase rulers, pencils, pens and file paper.

The Academy will not charge for books, materials, equipment and instruction in connection with the National Curriculum or Statutory Religious Education taught at school, except where parents have indicated in advance their wish to purchase the product.

Exam Charging Policy:

– Students with less than 85% attendance may, under the discretion of the Sixth Form Office, be asked to pay for their exam entry.

– Exam resits that are made at the request of the post 16 students will be charged at full price.

– When it is not possible to obtain a refund, full price will be charged to students for:

– the Summer Exam entry, if they withdraw from the subject after 20 April. – non-attendance at an exam without good reason.

BTEC students, who leave the Academy prior to the conclusion of the course, will be charged £50.

Future Opportunities

Mathematics will help you with your other A Level subjects. All the sciences use mathematical techniques, and psychology and sociology use statistics, so doing A level Further Mathematics will give you an advantage. It teaches you to think in a logical way, vital when putting across a coherent logical argument in any subject.

Do you want to do well in your degree? Computer science, physics, accountancy, engineering and economics usually require A-level mathematics. Geography, psychology and sociology degrees will all involve a large amount of mathematics. Sports science, biology, chemistry, earth sciences, business and management use increasingly large amounts of mathematics.

Mathematics A Level equals money. Research by the LSE found that people with mathematics A-level go on to earn about 10% more than their peers with equivalent qualifications in different subjects. Even the few who got a grade E earned 8% more than those who did not take mathematics. The mathematical skills learned at A-level, such as logical thinking, problem solving and statistical analysis, may be closer to those actually used in the workplace than the skills developed in other subjects. There is a huge shortage of mathematics graduates, despite the huge earning potential in certain areas such as finance, accountancy and computing.

Further Information

If you enjoy problem-solving, can use your own initiative, and are determined to persevere until you’ve solved a challenging question, then you have the attitude to make a success of A Level Further Mathematics. There will be many opportunities during the course for students to engage in both group and individual work. We have run several successful university trips for fun Mechanics and revision conferences. A level Further Mathematics is like playing a musical instrument or football: enjoying it and becoming good at it requires a lot of practice. You will be given regular homework and independent study, and should expect to dedicate considerably more time for revision in the run up to assessments. We run twice-weekly homework and revision clubs to support you with your studies.